Understanding Guarantors in Japanese Immigration: Roles, Requirements, and Who Can Be the Right One
Introduction
At our office, we frequently receive inquiries about the role of a guarantor, particularly in connection with permanent residency applications and other residence status procedures.
A guarantor may be required in various situations—for example, when applying for permanent residency, when handling procedures related to the status of residence “Spouse or Child of Japanese National,” or when switching to “Long-Term Resident” following a divorce.
In this article, we explain what a guarantor is in the context of immigration procedures, along with their responsibilities and key points to consider.
Legal Position and Scope of Responsibility of a Guarantor
According to the official Q&A section of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan,
“A guarantor under the Immigration Control Act is a person who promises to the Minister of Justice that, as necessary, he/she will provide financial guarantees and lifestyle guidance such as compliance with laws and regulations for the foreigner so that the foreigner can stably and continuously achieve the intended purpose of entering Japan.”
In short, a guarantor is someone who pledges to help a foreign national live stably in Japan and follow the country’s laws.
The commitments made in a letter of guarantee to the Minister of Justice are not legally enforceable.
If a guarantor does not fulfill these commitments, Immigration will offer guidance and reminders to uphold the promise, rather than imposing penalties.
However, failing to meet these responsibilities may result in the guarantor being seen as unsuitable for future immigration applications.
While not legally binding, such commitments still carry social and moral weight.
Comparing Guarantee Obligations: Permanent Residency and Others
The contents of a Letter of Guarantee vary depending on the type of visa or residence status being applied for in Japan, particularly between permanent residency and other statuses such as Spouse or Child of Japanese National or Long-Term Resident.
For non-permanent residency applications, guarantors are generally expected to guarantee living expenses, return travel costs, and compliance with laws and regulations.
In contrast, for permanent residency applications, the guarantor’s role is to support the applicant in complying with laws and fulfilling public duties, rather than taking direct financial responsibility.
Choosing the Right Guarantor
The guarantor should be a trustworthy individual who has a stable income, has fulfilled their tax obligations, and is either a Japanese national or permanent resident.
If you are married to a Japanese national or permanent resident, your spouse will typically act as your guarantor.
If you are applying for permanent residency from a work-based status, common choices include your workplace supervisor, a respected former teacher, or a trusted friend with whom you have a close relationship.
Selecting a reliable guarantor helps demonstrate your stable living situation in Japan and can positively support your application.
Documents Required from the Guarantor
Previously, guarantors were required to submit several documents, such as tax certificates, residence certificates, or proof of employment.
However, since June 1, 2022, the procedure has been simplified.
Currently, only the Letter of Guarantee and a copy of the guarantor’s ID (e.g., driver’s license or residence card) are required.
Please be aware that there are different forms of the Letter of Guarantee depending on whether the application is for permanent residency or for another residence status.
Be sure to download and use the correct version from the Immigration Services Agency’s official website.
Challenges in Securing a Guarantor and How to Approach It
It’s quite common for individuals to feel hesitant when asked to act as a guarantor.
In particular, many Japanese people associate the term “guarantor” with joint financial guarantors under civil law, which implies legal and financial liability for someone else’s debts.
Because of this misunderstanding, people may be reluctant to take on the role, fearing they will be held financially responsible if something goes wrong.
However, as mentioned earlier, a guarantor in immigration procedures in Japan does not bear any legal obligation.
Even if they do not fulfill the promises made, there are no legal penalties or government enforcement.
Immigration generally issues reminders or encourages compliance.
It can be helpful to explain this clearly to potential guarantors, along with the fact that the documentation they need to prepare is now minimal.
Conclusion: Understand the Role and Prepare Early
We hope this article has clarified what’s involved in finding and asking someone to be a guarantor.
When applying for permanent residency or another residence status, many people end up searching for a guarantor at the last minute.
To avoid this, we recommend understanding the requirements early and reaching out to potential guarantors in advance.
Immigration applications often involve complex steps and multiple supporting documents.
For a smooth process, consulting with a certified immigration specialist is highly recommended.
Stellar Immigration Consultancy is here to support you every step of the way.